How much does camping cost at Bismark Lake?

Camping fees at Bismark Lake are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bismark Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Bismark Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bismark Lake before I book?

Yes! Bismark Lake has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bismark Lake?

Bismark Lake is open April 15 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bismark Lake?

Bismark Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Bismark Lake?

Cell phone service at Bismark Lake is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bismark Lake have?

Bismark Lake has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bismark Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bismark Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bismark Lake?

Bismark Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bismark Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bismark Lake?

Fire policies at Bismark Lake: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.64

274 reviews

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Top 14%Fall

AReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping South Dakota#1 RV Camping South Dakota#1 Summer Camping South Dakota#1 +7 more

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open season begins o...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open season begins o...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Bismark Lake

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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(605)673-9300

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Campground Map

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Bismark Lake

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Nearby places

Custer, SD (4.8 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Weather at Bismark Lake

Current alerts(9)

A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times.
Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.
Drinking water is available but you CANNOT hook up for filling.
During off season, fewer site may be available.

Best Time to Camp at Bismark Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground services (May 21–Sept 28), with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F (7–12°C). This is peak season for boating, swimming, shoreline fishing, longer hikes, and mountain biking on the Black Hills' trails, when the lake is calm and water activities are at their best. Expect moderate to high crowds on holiday weekends and pleasant, campfire-ready evenings—plan mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in US

Review signal strong: 'fall camping was just amazing' and aspen/golden foliage praised.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins on May 21, 2025, and ends September 28, 2025.

About Bismark Lake

Bismark Lake sits in the Black Hills National Forest near Custer, South Dakota, operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc. This small mid-elevation forest campground offers tent and RV sites with lake access for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Campers use it as a base for exploring Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Needles Highway while enjoying spacious, secluded sites with picturesque water views.

The campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and trailers. No group camping or luxury accommodations are mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full campground services (May 21–Sept 28), with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F (7–12°C). This is peak season for boating, swimming, shoreline fishing, longer hikes, and mountain biking on the Black Hills' trails, when the lake is calm and water activities are at their best. Expect moderate to high crowds on holiday weekends and pleasant, campfire-ready evenings—plan mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground perches at 5,000 feet elevation, where the Black Hills' granite spires and metamorphic formations drop into deep blue lake water. Ponderosa pines dominate, with aspen groves that turn gold in fall. Wildlife moves through regularly: elk in the meadows, deer through camp, bighorn sheep on the rock outcrops. Ospreys and great blue herons work the shallows. The lake reflects the surrounding ridges, and several sites look directly over the water. The larger Black Hills landscape contains limestone caves, stream-carved canyons, and grassland parks between the forested slopes. Bismarck Lake itself is one of the region's clearer bodies of water, calm enough for kayaking and good for shoreline fishing.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is up to 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityAccessible facilities include drinking water stations, parking, picnic areas, vault toilets, trails, and walkways. However, some campsites, like those with steep access, may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs. Some users highlighted specific sites as spacious and level, such as site 15, while others found certain spots challenging for larger tents or vehicles.

PrivacySites are widely spaced, providing ample privacy. Specific sites, like site 4, are praised for their seclusion and views of the lake and meadows.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, consider Campsite 3; for lake views and accessibility, Campsite 4 is recommended. Campsite 6 is praised for its proximity to the boardwalk and scenic trails.

Best CampsitesSite 4 gets consistent praise for seclusion and views over the lake and meadows. Site 15 is spacious and level, good for larger tents or RVs. Site 3 offers privacy but requires steep steps to reach the picnic table and fire ring. Early reservations help, especially for summer weekends.

Need help booking Bismark Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bismarck Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet in the Black Hills National Forest, surrounded by aspen groves and Ponderosa pine. The campground offers sites for tents, trailers, and RVs and features picnic tables, campfire rings, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available during the peak season but cannot be used for hookups. Electrical hookups are not available. Bismarck Lake is within walking distance and features a boardwalk, fishing piers, and a boat ramp. Wildlife is abundant, including bighorn sheep, pronghorns, osprey, and bald eagles.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bismark Lake

Bismarck Lake Campground offers a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is a popular spot for anglers and paddlers, with species like rainbow trout, northern pike, and catfish. Visitors also enjoy birding, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the surrounding forest. For those seeking a challenge, the trek to Black Elk Peak is highly recommended.

Water Sports4.5/5Top 1%

Hiking4.0/5

Shoreline trail plus access to challenging treks like Black Elk Peak and nearby Custer State Park.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramp and lake described as ideal for kayaking/canoeing/paddleboarding; many paddlers noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent elk, deer, bighorn, osprey, bald eagles, herons and turtles reported in descriptions.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking on moderate forest terrain; nearby Mickelson Trail access noted.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Secluded, spacious sites in Black Hills suggest good dark-sky potential, though not explicitly mentioned.

Photography4.5/5Granite spires, lake reflections, fall aspen color and wildlife provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are present, and their cleanliness varies.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but some users noted that trash cans were not emptied frequently enough. Recycling bins are not mentioned explicitly, but some reviewers suggested adding them.

Cell CoverageCell service is noted to be reliable by multiple users. As one reviewer said, 'GOOD LOCATION AND CELL SIGNAL.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

274 reviews

Top-Rated

Bismark Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's peaceful atmosphere, beautiful setting by the lake, and friendly, helpful hosts. While many appreciated the clean facilities and spacious sites, issues such as odor from vault toilets and generator noise were mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 274 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 274 reviews.

Site 4Loved
Site 4: Highly recommended for its privacy and views of the lake and meadows..
Site 15Loved
Site 15: Spacious and suitable for large vehicles..
Site 3Issues noted
Site 3: Secluded but challenging for those with mobility issues due to steep access.

What Campers Love

Secluded and spacious campsites, picturesque lake views, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Proximity to attractions like Custer State...

Based on 274 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurrent complaints include the smell from vault toilets, generator noise, and inconsistent trash management. Some sites have challenging access, particularly for seniors or individuals with...

Based on 274 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and drinking water if concerned about water quality. Sites 4 and 15 are particularly recommended for their views and privacy. Early reservations are advised due to popularity.

Based on 274 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the campground's beauty and the abundance of wildlife. Fall camping is noted for vibrant foliage and a quieter atmosphere. Off-season reviews are sparse, but accessibility...

Based on 274 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Best accessible place in the Black Hills for solitude and a quiet fishing experience.' - Michael Miller 2. 'Stayed an extra night because we loved it so much. Campsite 4 is the best.' - Catherine...

Based on 274 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites, like site 3, have steep steps that may be difficult for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the boardwalk and accessible trails are appreciated.

Based on 274 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but owners must pay a $2 fee per pet per night. Some complaints about unleashed pets were noted.

Based on 274 reviews

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Bismark Lake

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(605)673-9300

Go if

You want a quiet forest lake base for exploring Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park with room to spread out.

Skip if

You need modern restrooms or a guarantee of quiet neighbors and controlled pet access.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.8

(33)

Iron Creek Horse Camp

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745, USA

Iron Creek Horse Camp sits in the mid-elevation forest of Black Hills National Forest near Custer, South Dakota. Operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc., this very small equestrian campground caters to horseback riders with corrals and direct trail access. Campers enjoy quiet, private sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, spending days on horseback exploring forest trails and watching wildlife.

Bismark Lake

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Amenities available

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Featured in these camping guides

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